Byron Byrne

Professor Byron Byrne holds the Ørsted/Royal Academy of Engineering Research Chair in Advanced Geotechnical Design at the University of Oxford. He serves as Professor of Engineering Science (Civil Engineering), Fellow of St Catherine's College, and Co-Director of the EPSRC Supergen Offshore Renewable Energy Hub. His career spans academic leadership, industry collaboration, and innovative research in offshore geotechnical engineering.

Education:

• BE(Hons) in Civil Engineering, University of Western Australia
• BCom in Commerce, University of Western Australia
• DPhil in Engineering, University of Oxford (Rhodes Scholar)

Byron’s research focuses on soil-structure interaction for offshore foundations, particularly monopiles, suction caissons, and jacket piles supporting offshore wind turbines. His work combines experimental field/laboratory testing with theoretical modeling to develop practical design guidance. Key projects include PISA (industry-funded monopile research), ALPACA (chalk foundation studies), and collaborations with Ørsted and TechnipFMC. Current emphasis includes cyclic loading behavior, scour protection, and real-time monitoring applications.

His scientific awards include the Crampton Prize (2023), BGA Medal (2022/2020), Fleming Award (2017), and multiple teaching accolades. His supervision spans 13 CDT students and 18+ graduate researchers, with completed projects on topics like pipeline buckling, soil liquefaction, and suction caisson installation. Byron also leads consultancy activities through Oxford University Consulting, working with industry leaders like Ørsted and Arup.